Good News

BULLETIN 13 February

Good afternoon, here is your Good News:

# United Nations agency UNESCO celebrates World Radio Day today, recognising radio’s century-long role as a trusted medium delivering fact-based information worldwide. Adopted by the UN in 2012, the day honours radio’s contributions to international objectives, including climate change awareness under the Paris Agreement. UNESCO emphasises that radio remains a steadfast platform, connecting people globally amidst ever-changing technological advancements.

# The public can now vote for their favourite food and drink establishments for the 2025 South African Restaurant Awards. The awards recognise restaurants, bars, and industry professionals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence and innovation in the country’s vibrant culinary scene. Nominees for best restaurants include Nobu in Cape Town, Durban’s The Chefs’ Table and Settebello in Johannesburg. Best chef nominees include Callan Austin, James Gaag and Wandile Mabaso. Voting closes on March 30th and the winners will be announced in April.

# Retina SA is preparing to host its 36th Ride for Sight cycle race this weekend. The event, set to be held at Boksburg City Stadium in Gauteng, will support South Africans facing visual impairments. The organisation advocates for better treatments and empowers individuals with low vision through education, training, and counselling. The race will serve as an opportunity to promote improved eyesight and ensure that all citizens have access to the care they need.

# The University of Pretoria has collaborated with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to establish the Youth AI Object Recognition Programming Workshop and Learning Showcase. This initiative is designed to raise awareness among 107 local learners about the challenges posed by the information and digital divide and to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics literacy. UP recently hosted students from the Hong Kong university to teach local high school learners how to use artificial intelligence to create solutions to real-world problems.

# And finally: The likes of Mariah Carey, Cyndi Lauper and Manchester bands Oasis and New Order, are among 14 nominees for the prestigious 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Eight of the nominees, including Chubby Checker and Billy Idol, are first-timers on the ballot. Performers are eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. Nominees are voted on by an international panel of more than one-thousand-200 artists, historians and music industry players. Fans also get to vote for their favourites online.

Stay tuned for more news………….